MG will apparently put its famous octagonal badge on almost anything with wheels — including buses — and its latest recruit is a large electric pickup.

The new MGU9 EV will launch in Australia later this year, giving the brand a battery-powered pickup to sit alongside its increasingly eclectic collection of hatchbacks, SUVs, saloons and sports cars.

Look beyond the badges, however, and the newcomer will be familiar to a handful of UK buyers. The U9 is effectively the Maxus eTerron 9 already available in the UK, with both brands owned by Chinese automotive giant SAIC Motor. With just 118 registrations in 2025, the eTerron 9 remains a rare vehicle, though.

Australia will become the first market to receive the pickup wearing MG branding, with deliveries beginning during the final quarter of 2026. Prices start at A$78,990 (£59,000) plus on-road costs.

MG U9 pickup rear view

The U9 uses a 102.2kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and two electric motors, producing a combined 325kW (442hp) and 700Nm of torque. Drive is sent to all four wheels, with 0–62mph taking 5.8 seconds.

Its WLTP range is given as 267 miles, matching the figure quoted for the eTerron 9. Charging at up to 115kW allows the battery to be replenished from 20–80% in approximately 42 minutes.

Despite MG positioning the U9 primarily as a lifestyle pickup, it can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3,500kg. Payload is more modest at 685kg, although a large 236-litre compartment beneath the bonnet provides additional enclosed storage.

Four-wheel electronic air suspension is standard, while vehicle-to-load capability can supply up to 6.6kW to tools, camping equipment and other electrical devices.

Equipment includes leather seats, twin 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a JBL audio system and heating, ventilation and massage functions for the driver’s seat.

MG U9 pickup interior and dashboard

MG has announced no plans to bring the U9 to Britain. That would create an unusual situation in which two SAIC brands competed with substantially the same electric pickup, so UK buyers will probably have to make do with the Maxus badge.

Still, given MG’s enthusiasm for expanding into almost every available corner of the market, we wouldn’t rule anything out.

Phil Huff
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